Tips for First Time Cruisers

For those who have never taken a cruise before, this form of travel can be a little daunting. Between formal nights (and the accompanying wardrobe questions) and shore excursions (better to book ahead or wait until you’re on the ship), there are a lot of questions a first time cruiser might have. So we put together a list of things to know about cruising, whether this is your first cruise, or your tenth.

The first step is to figure out what type of cruise experience you want to have – are you more interested in relaxing on deck by day and partying by night, or would you rather have some quiet time to yourself, away from the tourist crowds? Some cruises are favored by an older crowd, some are more popular with families and others cater to those who want to party.

Then figure out your budget, where you want to go, and how much time you have to spend on a cruise. If you’re more interested in a relaxing sailing and have lots of time for your trip, consider a repositioning cruise, which crosses the Atlantic between seasons and can be a great value. When considering which port to leave from, it’s also important to think about the logistics of getting there. Some ports are more accessible than others, and if you’re flying, you may want to arrive a day or two early – nothing it worse than missing the boat thanks to a delayed flight! Check out park and cruise hotels, which are located close to the ports and provide complimentary shuttle service to and from the ship, taking the stress out of planning the logistics for your trip.

A cruise is mean to be a relaxing experience, so if you’re feeling stressed with the details before your first (or next) sailing, check out our trips to help you plan a great cruise vacation.